I've heard that the amount for people to qualify for assistance in terms of income for individuals is as low as $11,000. Now, in my case I certainly wouldn't qualify for that, but I don't think that my income necessarily would be enough that I could afford insurance on my own. Which is why I don't have it now. So, I am wondering what sort of penalty I may face tax wise if I end up being in a pinch where I don't qualify for assistance by the government's definition, but still can't afford insurance on my own.